Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/33

Rh ring, which indicated that the machinery of the boat was finished; all should get on board. After which we pushed off the beach; the slaves gave us three cheers which was responded to from the Yankee soldiers on board, and even the overseer of the slaves was cheering and waving his hat and throwing it up in the air. In the evening we passed the towns of Napoleon and Vicksburg. To-night, the usual merriment in playing cards, dancing and singing, while some are trying to go through some theatrical performance.

Monday, December 28, 1846.—This morning we could see Natchez at a distance off. There is a wonderful change in the climate; it is pleasant, and as warm here as it is in May or June at home. The scenery along the noble Mississippi river is indescribable; the prairie fields of cotton, the splendid mansions of the owners, and the out-houses and cabins of the slaves, all combined, was rare and strange sights to us northern mud sills. We also saw any quantity of wild turkeys, geese and ducks by the square miles. Swans and cranes are swimming on this great Father of Waters, while the air is darkened with wild pigeons. In fact, I have seen more wild game this day than I ever have in all the days of my past life. We passed Port Hudson, Baton Rouge, and arrived at New Orleans about 10 o'clock this evening, but none are allowed to go on shore.

Tuesday, December 29, 1846.—This morning Capt. Wm. F. Small was appointed Officer of the Day. He soon gave orders to the captain of the boat to run her over to the other side of the river to a small town named Algiers, which was done. This order raised considerable fuss among the soldiers on account of some of our men wanting to get off and go to New Orleans. One party headed by Wm. Ford of our company did break the guard, and about eight or ten jumped on shore just before we pushed off the wharf and went to the city. At this instant Capt. Small posted himself with the guard and warned all the soldiers to obey his orders like men and not act like a band of pardoned or escaped felons, and